Ethiopian Records launches Coronavirus crowdfunder for artists and projects in Ethiopia

Ethiopian Records, aka Endeguena Mulu, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help fund the projects and studio space of creatives in Ethiopia that have been threatened by Coronavirus.

Aiming to raise €35,000, the campaign will fund the collaborative production and release of a ten-track double EP, worked on collaboratively by 23 creatives in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. It will also go towards buying music equipment, securing a studio space and ensuring the future of WAG Entertainment Agency, an artist-owned events, artist management and booking company that Mulu had launched independently pre-lockdown.

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The EP, called ‘WEL’, was in the works before Coronavirus, but its production was halted by the lockdown situation. The money raised will be split between the 23 creatives working on the EP, as well as funding the production of two music videos and covering distribution costs for the EP, which Mulu hopes will bring the creativity of Ethiopian producers to the attention of the world.

Given the political unrest in Ethiopia, there is little in the way of structural support available to musicians. This fundraiser is intended as an alternative.

Speaking on the EP, Mulu says, “Inspired by the recordings of Ethiopian poet Tsegaye Gebremedhin, ‘WEL’ means togetherness and calls for a loving, joyful, global revolution. The EP asks people to come forth and take charge of their destiny. Change only comes through action and revolution, by demanding it, lovingly and intentionally.”

Find the crowdfunder here.

Jemima Skala is Mixmag’s Weekend Editor. Follow her on Twitter